When it comes to starting my day on the right note, there is nothing like a rich, smooth cup of coffee to get me going. One of my recent discoveries has been Ruta Maya coffee, and I have to say, it is worth every penny.
If you’re on the lookout for a coffee that is full of flavor, organic, and packed with the rich aroma of perfectly roasted beans, then Ruta Maya might just be the one for you.
In this review, I’ll share my experience with Ruta Maya coffee, including its pros and cons, how to get the most out of it, and how it compares to some of the other brands out there.
First Impressions of Ruta Maya Coffee
The moment I opened the bag of Ruta Maya’s Organic Medium Roast, I was immediately struck by the rich, heavenly aroma.
It’s like the entire kitchen filled with this wonderful scent that made me want to brew a pot right away.
There’s something unique about this coffee—it’s got that distinct chocolatey fragrance combined with just the right amount of roasted notes, and I couldn’t help but get excited about tasting it.
One of the key things that stands out with Ruta Maya coffee is its smooth, full-bodied flavor. It’s mellow without losing depth, offering a balance that’s just right.
The medium roast is darker than some other brands’ “medium” offerings, but I think it’s perfect. It has just enough acidity to keep things interesting without overwhelming the flavor. The coffee tastes incredibly fresh, likely due to its shade-grown, hand-picked Arabica beans.
Whether you take it black, add cream, or use a bit of sugar, Ruta Maya stands up well to any preparation.
Brewing Experiences: Making The Most of Ruta Maya
I tried Ruta Maya in several brewing methods—from a pour-over, French press, to even a basic drip machine. I have to say, each time, the flavor was consistently great. If you want the smoothest, fullest flavor, I recommend brewing it in a French press.
The immersion brewing seems to really bring out the chocolatey notes and makes the overall experience feel more indulgent. The pour-over method also brought a lot of depth to the flavors and allowed me to enjoy the nuances. Even in a standard drip machine, Ruta Maya delivered.
But the one that really blew me away?
Cold brew. I used these beans to make a batch of cold brew, and honestly, it was some of the best I’ve had.
The low acidity makes it perfect for cold brewing—you get this beautifully smooth, rich flavor that’s refreshing without being bitter.
If you enjoy cold brews, you owe it to yourself to give Ruta Maya a shot in this form.
One thing I’ve noticed is that using freshly ground beans makes all the difference. If you’re serious about enjoying this coffee to its fullest, make sure you’re grinding it fresh just before brewing.
I’ve used both a burr grinder and a blade grinder, and while both are good, the burr grinder really helped retain the richness and complexity of the flavor.
Pros of Ruta Maya Coffee
- Rich, Full-Bodied Flavor: The flavor profile of Ruta Maya coffee is what sets it apart for me. The balance between smoothness and depth makes every cup enjoyable. The chocolatey undertones, in particular, are well-pronounced, without being overpowering. It’s an experience that doesn’t need a lot of additions to make it better—it stands well on its own.
- Organic and Shade-Grown: Ruta Maya coffee is certified organic by the USDA, which gives me peace of mind that it’s free from harmful chemicals. The fact that it’s shade-grown in the Chiapas region of Mexico by Maya Indian farmers using traditional techniques also adds to its appeal. The sustainable and ethical approach is something I value a lot, especially when I think about the impact my choices have on the environment and farming communities.
- Versatility in Brewing: Whether you’re a French press fan, a pour-over enthusiast, or someone who just wants to make a quick pot of drip coffee, Ruta Maya delivers. It’s versatile and tastes amazing in every brewing method I’ve tried so far. It even works great for cold brew, which isn’t something I can say about all coffees.
- Low Acidity: If you’re like me and are not a fan of overly acidic coffee, Ruta Maya is going to be a hit. The low acidity makes it easy on the stomach, yet it still retains a pleasant brightness that keeps things from being flat. It’s a great choice for those who have issues with more acidic blends but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.
Cons of Ruta Maya Coffee
- Inconsistency When Not Freshly Roasted: One issue I’ve come across is that sometimes, when buying through certain online stores, the beans may not be as fresh. When I purchased directly from Ruta Maya, the beans were fresher and the flavor much more vibrant. While Amazon offers more convenience and lower shipping costs, there is a slight compromise on freshness.
- Medium Roast Might Be Darker Than Expected: If you’re someone who prefers a lighter roast, you might find Ruta Maya’s medium roast to be darker than what you’re used to. I personally enjoy it, but if you’re expecting a very light, fruity profile, this might not be for you. It’s more on the rich and chocolaty side, which I love, but I know that’s not everyone’s cup of—well, coffee.
How To Get The Most Out of Ruta Maya Coffee?
To get the best experience from Ruta Maya coffee, it’s essential to keep a few tips in mind:
- Store It Properly: To maintain the freshness of the beans, store them in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. I usually use a vacuum-sealed container, which helps to keep the beans tasting fresher for longer. A mason jar could work too, just make sure it’s airtight.
- Grind Just Before Brewing: The importance of grinding just before brewing can’t be overstated. The difference in flavor is noticeable—freshly ground beans give you that vibrant aroma and full flavor that pre-ground coffee just can’t match. I recommend using a burr grinder for the most consistent grind, but if you’ve only got a blade grinder, that’ll do the trick.
- Experiment with Brewing Methods: Ruta Maya coffee is versatile, and each brewing method brings out something different in the beans. For the richest experience, I’d suggest experimenting—try it as a pour-over, a French press, and even a cold brew. You’ll find that different brewing methods bring out different notes in the coffee, and it’s worth trying them all.
- Use Filtered Water: This might sound like a small detail, but using filtered water makes a difference in the taste. Tap water can sometimes introduce off-flavors that take away from the coffee’s potential. Good water will let the coffee’s natural flavors shine.
Comparing Ruta Maya To Other Coffee Brands
I’ve tried several organic and premium coffee brands in my quest for the perfect cup, and Ruta Maya definitely holds its own. Compared to Lavazza Organic and Natural Force, Ruta Maya has a much smoother and more chocolatey profile.
Lavazza has a more acidic, bright flavor that’s great for those who like a zesty cup of coffee, but for me, Ruta Maya’s depth and smoothness are more satisfying.
Orinoco Organic and Gobena Yirgacheffe have some interesting floral and fruity notes, but they lack the full body that Ruta Maya brings to the table.
If you prefer something lighter with more floral undertones, then those might be better options, but Ruta Maya offers a more balanced, rich experience. I also tried Cafe Appassionato and found it to be quite good, but it lacked the complexity of flavors that Ruta Maya consistently delivers.
Compared to Clean Coffee, which prides itself on being free of contaminants, Ruta Maya feels richer in flavor while still maintaining a sense of purity. Plus, the medium roast of Ruta Maya just has this depth that is hard to find—something I didn’t quite experience with Clean Coffee.
Overall, Ruta Maya stands out for its unique balance—a full-bodied, chocolatey flavor that’s mellow enough to enjoy cup after cup, without any harshness or excessive acidity. It’s got the versatility to work well with a variety of brewing methods, and it’s organic and shade-grown, which is a big plus in my book.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Ruta Maya coffee is certified organic by the USDA and is shade-grown without the use of harmful pesticides. The beans are sourced from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, where they are hand-picked by a cooperative of Maya Indian farmers, ensuring a clean, high-quality product.
Ruta Maya coffee is sourced from the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The beans are shade-grown and hand-picked by a cooperative of Maya Indian farmers who use traditional growing techniques to maintain quality and sustainability.
The healthiest coffee brand can depend on what you’re looking for—some focus on organic and pesticide-free growing practices, while others emphasize low acidity or specialized roasting techniques. Ruta Maya is a strong contender due to its organic certification, traditional growing methods, and low acidity, making it easy on the stomach.
There’s no definitive answer to which coffee is the best in the world, as it largely depends on personal preference. However, many consider high-quality, single-origin coffees from places like Ethiopia, Jamaica (Blue Mountain), and Colombia to be among the best. Ruta Maya has gained a loyal following for its rich flavor, organic sourcing, and traditional roasting, making it a favorite for many coffee lovers.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Ruta Maya Coffee?
If you’re looking for an organic, smooth, and rich coffee that can handle just about any brewing method you throw at it, Ruta Maya is definitely worth trying.
The freshness, low acidity, and full-bodied flavor make it a coffee that I keep coming back to—whether I’m making a pour-over, a French press, or a refreshing cold brew.
It’s versatile, delicious, and hits the spot every time. If that sounds good to you, go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!